Blog 9 : The end of phase one is in sight

Up-date week 12.

Hi to all,

Just like when I was in college I’m fighting off complacency. As the end is near it is easy to switch off thinking that you have made it through. I have found that in reality this never happens you must give your all right up until the end. Anyway here's what we have done this week.

At the start we had a pyrotechnics day, we learnt about different types if grenade how to throw them and what damage they are capable of. We also had the chance to practice with drill grenades (inert but they still bang) and use smoke grenades. We also learnt how to escape from an ambush, using smoke grenades as a diversion and cover. In addition to the above we covered eating and drinking drills whilst we were clad in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear) kit.

We had our CFT (combat fitness test) in this you have to TAB (tactical advance to battle ) 6 miles Which has to be completed in under 90 minutes caring 15kg this was not so difficult as we had already done the route previously with more weight. For readers back at college the D of E or and the lakes training week you will find that this is ideal preparation for service life, as long as you keep practicing which is not easy. We had to complete the static lift which is a jerry can test cheekily thrown in at the end of the CFT to see if you have anything left when you think that you are physically drained, or for the want of a better phrase blowing out our arse.

The obstacle course with webbing and weapon was our next task; we had done this before however with your rifle swinging round your neck and the added weight of your webbing you are in a completely new dimension. Next was live fire and movement on the range, this exercise was for me the most daunting, due to the fact that you had a team behind you with a loaded rifle, trust and belief in training was put to the ultimate test.

We ompleted the map reading written test and then finally we completed the PFT (personal fitness test). As students you will more than likely have done this on taster days together with press ups sit ups and a 1.5 mile run.

If you put the effort in at college you will find things relatively easy when you are in training for real. You are only required to complete 44 press ups and 50 sit ups to pass; if you aim for 60-60 at College you'll smash it during training.

As you can tell throughout the weeks there is a comparison with my training here and your training back in college. You probably will not have done the jerry can test however if you have carried your bags up and down the lane to Linnet Clough, you could consider that this is practice for service tests in your future training.

Leadership skills, command, control, communication and team work are a massive part of every week here.

Tips:

Don't be complacent or laid back just because the end is near. I witnessed this in college in the final year; there were a many students who were simply not putting in any effort in at the end of the course. You need to make sure that you are as keen as you were at linnet and keep your focus and motivation going through to the end. As with everything try your best stays focused and keep going.

Make sure your map reading skills are tip top, if you do you'll be head and shoulders above the rest in service training. College gives you the opportunity to come to places like this and shine, (without being cocky) so go for it put the effort in and enjoy the rewards.

All the Best

Rob